purlJam

# FLOWER CROCHET HALTER TOP

**Designer:** Anna (Transcribed & Edited)
**Difficulty Level:** Intermediate
**Technique:** Crochet
**Yarn Weight:** DK (Category 3)
**Hook Size:** 2.5 mm (See Notes)

## MATERIALS
*   **Yarn:** DK Weight Cotton Yarn (e.g., Loops & Threads Cream Cotton). Approx. 200-300 yards depending on size.
    *   *Note:* The transcript specifically recommends a DK weight yarn despite the label potentially saying "4/Medium."
*   **Hook:** 2.5 mm crochet hook.
*   **Notions:** Scissors, Darning needle, Stitch markers.

## GAUGE & SIZING
*   **Gauge:** Specific gauge is less critical than density; fabric should be tight and opaque for the cups.
*   **Pattern Repeat (Lace):** 24 stitches per flower motif.
*   **Cup Sizing (Foundation Chain):**
    *   **A Cup:** Chain 10 (approx. 7 rows)
    *   **B Cup:** Chain 12 (approx. 9 rows)
    *   **C Cup:** Chain 14 (approx. 11 rows)
    *   **D Cup:** Chain 16 (approx. 13 rows)
    *   *For larger sizes:* Add 2 chains and 2 rows per cup size.

## ABBREVIATIONS (US TERMS)
*   **ch:** Chain
*   **st(s):** Stitch(es)
*   **sc:** Single Crochet
*   **hdc:** Half Double Crochet
*   **dc:** Double Crochet
*   **tr:** Treble Crochet
*   **FDC:** Foundation Double Crochet
*   **sl st:** Slip Stitch
*   **sp:** Space
*   **BLO:** Back Loop Only
*   **FLO:** Front Loop Only
*   **sk:** Skip
*   **Inc:** Increase (3 hdc in same st/sp)

## NOTES
1.  **Tension:** A 2.5mm hook is used with DK yarn to create a dense fabric for the cups to ensure no see-through.
2.  **Turning:** Ch 1 at beginning of cup rows does *not* count as a stitch. Ch 2 at beginning of lace rows *counts* as 1 dc.
3.  **Lace Construction:** The body panel is worked separately and seamed to the cups.

---

## PART 1: THE CUPS
*Make 2 identical cups.*

**Foundation:** Make a slip knot. Chain **10 (A) / 12 (B) / 14 (C) / 16 (D)**.
*Instructions below assume Size C (Ch 14). Adjust stitch counts according to your starting chain.*

**Row 1:** Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. (Total: **8 / 10 / 12 / 14** hdc). Ch 2 (creates the turn space), do not turn work yet; rotate to work down the opposite side of the foundation chain. Work 1 hdc in each unworked loop of the foundation chain.
*   *Stitch Count (C Cup):* 12 hdc up, ch-2 sp, 12 hdc down.

**Row 2:** Ch 1, turn. Hdc in each st up to the ch-2 sp. In the ch-2 sp, work **3 hdc** (Increase). Hdc in each st down the other side.
*   *Note:* You are now working back and forth in rows creates a convex triangle.

**Row 3:** Ch 1, turn. Hdc in each st up to the center st (the middle hdc of the previous 3-hdc group). Work **3 hdc** in the center st. Hdc in each st to end.

**Rows 4 - End:** Repeat Row 3 until you reach the recommended row count or desired coverage.
*   *Recommended Rows:* A (7), B (9), C (11), D (13).
*   *Check:* One side of the cup will have one more row than the other due to the starting yarn tail position. This is normal.

**Finishing Cup:** Ch 1, cut yarn, pull through.

---

## PART 2: FLOWER LACE BODY PANEL

**Foundation Row:** Work **Foundation Double Crochet (FDC)**.
*   *Width:* Must be a multiple of **24 stitches**.
*   *Example:* 4 repeats = 96 stitches. Adjust based on your underbust measurement.
*   *Tip:* Keep the chain portion of the FDC loose to prevent curling.

**Row 1 (Base Mesh):** Ch 2 (counts as dc), turn. Dc in next 9 sts (10 dc total). \*Ch 2, sk 2, dc in next 4 sts, ch 2, sk 2, dc in next 16 sts. Repeat from \* across. End the last repeat with dc in last 6 sts (completing the block of 16 when joined with start).
*   *Note:* If your count doesn't perfectly end with 6, ensure you end with a solid dc block.

**Row 2:** Ch 2 (counts as dc), turn. Dc in next 2 sts (3 dc total). \*Ch 2, sk 2, [2 dc in ch-sp, dc in next st, 2 dc in next ch-sp], dc in next st (Total 7 dc cluster). Ch 2, sk 2, dc in next 10 sts. Repeat from \* across.

**Row 3 (Treble Row):** Ch 2, turn. Dc in next 3 sts (4 dc total). \*Ch 2, sk 2, [2 dc in ch-sp, dc in next st] (Cluster of 4). **Ch 4, tr in center st of previous solid block, Ch 4.** Dc in st before next ch-sp, [2 dc in ch-sp, dc in next st] (Cluster of 4). Ch 2, sk 2, dc in next 4 sts. Repeat from \* across.

**Row 4:** Ch 2, turn. Work dc cluster of 4 (filling holes as established). \*Ch 5, work **3 sc** (1 sc in space before tr, 1 sc in tr, 1 sc in space after tr). Ch 5. Dc in st before gap, [2 dc in gap, dc in next]. Ch 2, sk 2, [2 dc in gap, dc in next]. Repeat from \* across.

**Row 5:** Ch 2, turn. Work dc cluster of 4. \*Ch 6, work **5 sc** (1 in space, 1 in each of 3 sc, 1 in space). Ch 6. Dc in st before gap, [2 dc in gap, dc in next]. Repeat from \* across.
*   *Note:* The solid blocks between flowers are now just 4 dc wide.

**Row 6:** Repeat Row 4 (Ch 5, 3 sc, Ch 5). This closes the flower petals.

**Row 7:** Repeat Row 3 (Ch 4, Tr, Ch 4).

**Row 8:** Repeat Row 2 (Re-establishing the solid blocks).

**Row 9:** Repeat Row 1.

**Rows 10+:** Repeat pattern rows until desired length. Recommended length is 2 full flower vertical repeats.

**Final Row:** Ch 2, turn. Dc in every st and 2 dc in every ch-2 space across. (Restore original stitch count). Fasten off.

---

## PART 3: ASSEMBLY

**Step 1: Cup Edging & Join**
1.  Place cups side-by-side.
2.  Join yarn at bottom corner of Right Cup. Sc along the bottom edge.
    *   *Rate:* Alternate 2 sc in one row end, 1 sc in next row end.
3.  When you reach the inner corner, ch 2 (bridge), pick up Left Cup, and continue sc pattern across bottom of Left Cup.
4.  Ch 1, turn. Sc in each sc across. Work 2 sc in the ch-2 bridge space.
5.  Count your total stitches across the bottom of the joined cups (e.g., 64 sts).

**Step 2: Attaching Cups to Body**
1.  **Math:** (Body Panel Stitches - Cup Bottom Stitches) / 2 = Stitches to skip on each side.
    *   *Example:* (96 - 64) / 2 = 16 stitches on each side.
2.  Mark the 16th stitch from each end of the Body Panel.
3.  With right sides facing up (or as preferred for texture), align the cups between markers.
4.  **Join:** Insert hook into the first stitch of the Cup Bottom and the corresponding stitch on the Body Panel.
5.  **Slip Stitch Seam:** Work sl st across, picking up the **Back Loop** of the Body Panel and the **Front Loop** of the Cup edge. Keep tension loose to prevent bunching.
6.  Fasten off.

---

## PART 4: STRAPS

**Halter Straps (Top of Cups):**
1.  Attach yarn to the top point (center increase st) of the cup.
2.  Chain approx. 80.
3.  Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch back down to the cup.
4.  Sl st to the cup to secure. Fasten off. Repeat for other cup.

**Back Ties (Sides of Body):**
1.  Attach yarn to the top corner of the Body Panel.
2.  Chain approx. 60 (or length needed to tie).
3.  Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch back down.
4.  Sl st to body panel. Fasten off. Repeat for other side.

## FINISHING
1.  Weave in all ends using a darning needle.
2.  **Blocking:** If the cups curl, steam block lightly or iron on a very low heat setting (protecting the fiber) to flatten the edges.